What Can You Store in a Self-Storage Unit? (And What You Can't)

First-time renters always ask the same question: “Can I put _____ in a storage unit?” The answer is usually yes — but there are some important exceptions. Here’s the complete guide to what belongs in a storage unit, what doesn’t, and some items specific to southeast South Dakota that you might not have considered.

The Short Answer

You can store almost anything that’s legal, non-hazardous, non-perishable, and non-living. That covers a huge range of items — furniture, clothing, electronics, vehicles, sporting equipment, business inventory, tools, and much more.

The “can’t store” list is shorter than most people expect. But the items on it are there for good reason, and violating those rules can get your lease terminated, your belongings removed, or worse.

Let’s break it down.

What You CAN Store

Household Furniture and Belongings

The bread and butter of storage. Couches, beds, dressers, dining tables, bookshelves, desks, lamps, rugs, kitchen items, and everything else that fills a home.

Tips: - Disassemble large furniture when possible to save space (remove table legs, take bed frames apart) - Wrap upholstered items in moving blankets, not plastic (plastic traps moisture) - Stand mattresses on their side if space is tight, but ideally store them flat - Use our packing guide for best results

Clothing and Textiles

Seasonal wardrobes, formal wear, extra bedding, quilts, and linens all store well. Use sealed plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes — they keep out moisture and pests.

For valuable textiles (wedding dresses, vintage clothing, handmade quilts), use acid-free tissue paper between layers and consider climate-controlled storage to prevent yellowing and mildew.

Electronics

TVs, computers, stereos, gaming consoles, small appliances — all fine for storage. Climate control is recommended for electronics stored long-term, since temperature swings cause condensation that damages circuit boards and screens.

Before storing electronics: - Back up any data on computers and hard drives - Remove batteries (they corrode and leak over time) - Store in original packaging if you still have it - Wrap screens with soft material to prevent scratches

Documents, Books, and Photos

Personal records, tax documents, business files, photo albums, and book collections are common storage items. Paper is vulnerable to moisture and temperature extremes, so sealed plastic bins and silica gel packets are essential.

Business owners: the IRS requires you to keep tax records for at least three years (seven for some situations). A storage unit is a practical solution when filing cabinets overflow. Business storage guide.

Sporting Equipment

Fishing gear, golf clubs, ski equipment, camping gear, bicycles, exercise equipment — it all stores well. Clean everything before storing, and lubricate any metal components to prevent rust.

Tools and Equipment

Hand tools, power tools, workbenches, shop equipment, ladders, and construction materials. Keep blades covered, batteries removed from cordless tools, and metal surfaces lightly oiled.

Items Specific to Southeast South Dakota

Living in this part of the state means you probably store things that people in other regions don’t think about.

Boats and Water Equipment

Lewis & Clark Lake is in our backyard. Boats, jet skis, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, fishing equipment, and dock sections are some of the most common items we store at Lock N’ Leave It. Full boat storage guide.

Hunting Gear

This is South Dakota. Pheasant hunting, deer hunting, turkey hunting, waterfowl — each season brings different equipment. Firearms (in a locked safe), ATVs, decoys, blinds, tree stands, and all the clothing that goes with it. Hunting gear storage guide.

Note on firearms: Firearms can be stored in a self-storage unit, but they must be in a locked container (gun safe or locking cabinet) inside your locked unit. Check your lease agreement and local regulations. Unloaded, in a safe, in a locked unit. No exceptions.

Farm Equipment and Supplies

Southeast South Dakota is farm country. Implements, attachments, tools, seed, feed, chemicals, and seasonal equipment all cycle through storage. Farm equipment storage guide.

Important: Some agricultural chemicals require specific storage conditions. Check labels for temperature, ventilation, and separation requirements before storing.

RVs and Campers

The camping and RV culture around Lewis & Clark Lake means a lot of rigs need off-season homes. RV storage guide.

Festival and Event Equipment

Between Schmeckfest in Freeman, Czech Days in Tabor, the Chislic Festival, Riverboat Days in Yankton, and numerous county fairs and community events, there’s a lot of vendor and organizer equipment that needs a home between events. Schmeckfest guide.

Vehicles

Cars, trucks, motorcycles, classic cars, snowmobiles, and ATVs. Vehicle storage is especially popular with snowbirds heading south for winter. Snowbird storage guide.

What You CANNOT Store

This list is non-negotiable. These items are prohibited in virtually every self-storage facility, including Lock N’ Leave It Storage.

Hazardous Materials

• Gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, and other flammable liquids
• Propane tanks (including the small ones from your camping stove)
• Fireworks and explosives
• Paint, paint thinner, and solvents
• Pesticides and herbicides (check labels — some agricultural products qualify)
• Motor oil and automotive fluids
• Acids, bleach, and corrosive chemicals
• Compressed gas cylinders

Why: Fire risk. Explosion risk. Contamination risk. One leaking gas can in a storage facility endangers every unit in the building.

What to do instead: Take hazardous materials to your local household hazardous waste collection. Most South Dakota counties offer periodic collection events.

Perishable Food

No food that can spoil, rot, or attract pests. That means: - No fresh or frozen food - No opened packages of anything edible - No pet food (mice will find it)

Sealed, non-perishable items like canned goods are technically OK, but freezing temperatures in a South Dakota winter can burst cans and ruin contents. Best to leave all food at home.

Living Things

No people. No animals. No plants. This sounds obvious, but it covers things people don’t always think about: - You can’t live in a storage unit (it happens, and it’s illegal) - You can’t store pets temporarily (also illegal and cruel) - Houseplants won’t survive — no light, no water, extreme temperatures

Stolen Property

If it’s not yours, it doesn’t belong in your storage unit. Facilities cooperate with law enforcement, and storing stolen goods is a criminal offense.

Anything Illegal

Drugs, unregistered firearms, counterfeit goods, or anything else that violates state or federal law.

Items That Are Technically OK but Need Special Consideration

Tires

Tires are fine to store, but they off-gas chemicals that can damage nearby items. Store them in tire bags or heavy garbage bags, separated from furniture and clothing.

Mattresses

Must be clean and dry. Wrap in a mattress bag. Store flat if possible — standing a mattress on its side long-term can damage the internal springs and structure.

Appliances

Refrigerators and freezers must be completely empty, clean, and dry. Leave doors slightly open (propped with a towel) to prevent mildew. Unplug and defrost at least 24 hours before storing.

Washers and dryers: drain all water from hoses and the drum. Leave the door open.

Wine and Alcohol

Fine for storage, but temperature-sensitive. Wine needs consistent, cool temperatures — climate control is essential. Beer and spirits are more tolerant but still shouldn’t be exposed to extreme heat or freezing.

Artwork and Antiques

Absolutely storable, but treat them with care: - Wrap framed pieces in moving blankets, not bubble wrap (bubbles can leave impressions on canvas) - Store paintings vertically, not flat - Use climate control for valuable pieces - Keep away from exterior walls where temperature fluctuations are greatest

Insurance: Protecting What You Store

Your belongings in a storage unit aren’t automatically insured by the facility. You have two main options:

Your existing insurance. Many homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies extend some coverage to items in storage. Check your policy and talk to your agent. There may be limits on the covered amount.

Storage insurance. Most facilities, including Lock N’ Leave It, offer or can recommend affordable insurance policies specifically for stored items. Typical coverage runs $10-20/month for $5,000-10,000 in protection.

If you’re storing anything of significant value, insurance is a no-brainer.

Still Not Sure? Just Ask

If you have an item you’re not sure about, call us. We’d rather answer a question upfront than deal with a problem later. Most items are fine. The prohibited list is short and common sense.

Lock N’ Leave It Storage in Tyndall, Springfield, and Freeman offers units for just about everything southeast South Dakota needs stored — from boats and ATVs to household furniture and business inventory.

Check our unit sizes and availability, or contact us with questions. We’ll help you figure out what you need — no guesswork, no surprises.